We got our new laptop today. So exciting!!! I'm excited to be able to do my travel journals online now instead of writing stuff out with the old paper and pencil. One of these days, people will forget how to use a pencil, won't they? The computer is a little bigger than I expected, but it works great so far and I feel like we have joined the 21st century - officially.
Tahiti is still a possibility. I have changed our reservation 3 times and still don't have the days I really want, but I have the best days so far. I keep checking back for my preferred days, but nothing so far. I did read on TripAdvisor tonight that Air Tahiti Nui has been cancelling lots of flights from JFK-PPT, which causes me a little concern. But, another post said that they have been good to accommodate all passengers. Guess I should make sure we have trip insurance or whatever we need to change things around if necessary. I'm still thrilled at the notion of going. I think it would be a fantastic way to celebrate our 5th.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Mother's Day
Last weekend was Mother's Day. I mostly mention this because next year I will be racking my brain trying to remember what we did this year. So here it is: this year we cooked out steaks and shrimp that Joe and I brought over; had baked potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, homemade rolls, and Paula Deen's Pineapple Upside-Down Biscuits with ice cream for dessert. I bought my mom 2 new photo albums because she had run out of room and a little sachet that we picked up in Ireland that said "Mother" on it. Joe's mom got a rosary with a crystal Celtic Cross on it from the Waterford Crystal Factory in Waterford, Ireland. There it is - for posterity and my sanity in 2009.
Today I am obsessed with the idea of going to Tahiti for our anniversary. It is our 5th and as I've been excited to point out - I never made it to 5 before!!! It really kind of is a big deal for me. Yesterday, I found out that Air Tahiti Nui is offering a special - round-trip to Papeete from JFK (that's the bad thing) for 30,000 miles!!! That's a fantastic deal. Joe and I can BOTH go for less miles than just 1 of us at the regular mileage "price" of 75,000 miles. I think it's a sign from God, but I have to convince Joe to spend $5,000 on hotels and inter-island transportation. That one could be a little tricky. I'll get back to you...
Today I am obsessed with the idea of going to Tahiti for our anniversary. It is our 5th and as I've been excited to point out - I never made it to 5 before!!! It really kind of is a big deal for me. Yesterday, I found out that Air Tahiti Nui is offering a special - round-trip to Papeete from JFK (that's the bad thing) for 30,000 miles!!! That's a fantastic deal. Joe and I can BOTH go for less miles than just 1 of us at the regular mileage "price" of 75,000 miles. I think it's a sign from God, but I have to convince Joe to spend $5,000 on hotels and inter-island transportation. That one could be a little tricky. I'll get back to you...
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Shoe Shopping
Anyone would probably notice my obsession with my age. I've always been sensitive to it. And, I know a lot of people make mistakes in their youth, but I think it bugs me that it took me FOREVER to figure life out (not that I have it figured out, but semi-figured out!). I was 38 before I married the right man and as the title to my blog indicates - that didn't leave us much time for the baby-stuff. In the end, that didn't work out and haunts me daily that I'm pretty much too old to do anything about it.
But the one area in which I am at one with my oldness is shoes. I've lost all desire to be "hip" when it comes to shoes. Joe said that one of the things that attracted him to me were my "sensible shoes." Now, I have to admit that at first that kind of offended me. What exactly was he saying? Yeah, I know - I don't wear stylish shoes. I wear comfortable shoes.
I used to love shoes. It is the one thing you can buy that no matter how much weight you gain or lose, still fits. I had sooooo many pairs of shoes. These days, I really don't shop that much, but there does come a time when necessity rules out and last weekend, I decided it was time. Summer shoe shopping was a must-do!!! This time, instead of browsing every shoe department in the mall and agonizing between cool and comfort, I knew exactly what I was going to do. A quick stop in Dillard's was all I needed. Josef Siebel makes the most comfortable sandals I have ever had on my feet. I went right to them, tried them on and in less than 15 minutes we were done. Joe was thrilled. They're not cheap - $110, but worth every penny!
This weekend, I think I'll see if I can find another pair in black. Maybe Clark's or Born, but whatever brand I decide, the #1 criteria is comfort. The heck with cool!!!
But the one area in which I am at one with my oldness is shoes. I've lost all desire to be "hip" when it comes to shoes. Joe said that one of the things that attracted him to me were my "sensible shoes." Now, I have to admit that at first that kind of offended me. What exactly was he saying? Yeah, I know - I don't wear stylish shoes. I wear comfortable shoes.
I used to love shoes. It is the one thing you can buy that no matter how much weight you gain or lose, still fits. I had sooooo many pairs of shoes. These days, I really don't shop that much, but there does come a time when necessity rules out and last weekend, I decided it was time. Summer shoe shopping was a must-do!!! This time, instead of browsing every shoe department in the mall and agonizing between cool and comfort, I knew exactly what I was going to do. A quick stop in Dillard's was all I needed. Josef Siebel makes the most comfortable sandals I have ever had on my feet. I went right to them, tried them on and in less than 15 minutes we were done. Joe was thrilled. They're not cheap - $110, but worth every penny!
This weekend, I think I'll see if I can find another pair in black. Maybe Clark's or Born, but whatever brand I decide, the #1 criteria is comfort. The heck with cool!!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Concerts
Occasionally Joe and I convince ourselves that we are young, when in fact, we are old. Late last year, two of our favorite bands announced concert dates and we decided we were young. Bon Jovi is my all-time favorite band and when I missed their last concert tour, I felt enormous guilt. (Maybe guilt wasn't the right word - maybe anguish at my old-ness.) Van Halen is one of Joe's favorite bands and are touring with the original lead singer, which neither one of us had seen.
Now, this concert calendar only created issues because in between these events, which were on the 14th of April and the 24th of April, respectively, we squeezed in a trip to Ireland!!! I wrote a couple of mini-reviews, which my friend enjoyed, so I decided to add them to my blog:
Bon Jovi:
I think my concert days may be about over, to be honest. I felt this nostalgic need to see Bon Jovi because I had seen every stinkin’ tour since Slippery When Wet EXCEPT the last one. So, then I felt all bad that 7 concerts (or however many) just wasn’t enough. Anyway…it was still good, but I just don’t have the desire to stay out that late on a school night anymore. Somebody Daughtry opened for them. I had to ask the girl next to me who that was because I’m totally clueless, but she said he’s from American Idol. Joe’s brother, Matt, says he’s great and he’s downloaded some of his stuff. O-kay. Jon – at one point – brought a girl up on stage with him. He was kind of out in the crowd. I’m not sure what he was standing on because he was above the crowd, but on a tiny stage. On the way back to the main stage, he seemed to be jumping across these tiny stages. Anyway…in spite of the fact that the median age was about 45 and the median weight was about 200 pounds, he managed to find the youngest, skinniest, prettiest girl in the arena. She was probably there to see Daughtry, but I guess you can’t blame a guy. She might have been the only one he could actually lift up there.
It really bites to get old!!! The best part about the night was the conversation that happened behind us on the train on the way home:
BOY: (drunk) YEAH, MAN!!! We’re on the TRAIN!!! The one with the upstairs. (NOTE: ALL the train cars have an upstairs on the TRE).
GIRL: (takes phone away from boy) I’m not sure which car…Just tell me what our stop is. Irving West? Okay. NOOOO!!! I was too busy trying to get “boy’s” drunk a** on the train!!!! (hangs up on call)
BOY: (sighs “lovingly”) Do you think were should get maaarrriiieedddd?
GIRL: Get OFF me! GAWD!!!!
Van Halen:
Is it still cool to smoke pot, because if it is, I missed that memo. Seriously. Major pot smokin' and it was disgusting!!!
I have to say that it’s a for sure sign that you’re (I’m) getting old that the highlight of the concert for me was that Eddie was wearing a brand new looking sparkly WEDDING RING!!! What??? Did he get married while he was in rehab? Was the rehab rumor ever confirmed (his re-admittance, that is)? I looked him up in Wikipedia when we got home, but no mention of a new wife. I assume he isn’t still wearing his ring from Valerie given that they’ve been split up for 7 years. Anyway…
Eddie looked great. He looked very healthy and he looked like he was having a good time. His hair is really tight (short), but I thought it looked good on him. If he’s sick or strung out, he’s hiding it well. Although I admit to not being an expert, I thought he sounded great, too. Dave looked good, too. His six-pack is more a two-pack now, but he’s thin and in great shape for a guy his age (not all bloated up like Vince Neil!!!). He has some major pork chops (sideburns) going on, but his hair is short, too, which since he’s thinning – a bit – on top, it is also a good look for him (Bret Michaels should possibly take note). He is such a peacock the way he struts around on stage with his chest all puffed out. Total showman. I could see how that would get on other band member’s nerves, but he shared the stage well all night with Eddie. They looked like they were having a great time together. I told Joe, it was definitely the Eddie / Dave show. Wolf walked around the most. They had a ramp onstage and Wolf would walk up and down (the youngster), but Eddie stayed in the same place pretty much and Dave just went back and forth and then there was a part that went out into the crowd a little that he went out on a couple of times. Dave sounded good, but he’s definitely lost his range. He can’t hit the high notes anymore at all – he doesn’t even try. He still has some high kicks, though, too. Eddie – not so much. All in all, it was quite enjoyable.
I didn’t see Wolf’s face all night – his hair is long in front and was covering up his eyes. I’ve seen pics though and he looks just like his mom, I think. I went to bathroom at one point and Joe said while I was gone, he played guitar and seemed to really come alive. I’m sure that’s what he grew up playing. Joe felt like they really downplayed him, but I guess that’s kind of a catch 22. What a mound of pressure – to be Eddie Van Halen’s kid!! Eddie was showcasing his equipment line – EVH amps and a Wolfgang guitar.
So…there you have it. Great show, fun times. Joe couldn’t resist a t-shirt.
The biggest difference I noticed between the two crowds – Bon Jovi vs. Van Halen: Bon Jovi was girl’s night out; Van Halen was boy’s night out. :-) Imagine that!
Now, this concert calendar only created issues because in between these events, which were on the 14th of April and the 24th of April, respectively, we squeezed in a trip to Ireland!!! I wrote a couple of mini-reviews, which my friend enjoyed, so I decided to add them to my blog:
Bon Jovi:
I think my concert days may be about over, to be honest. I felt this nostalgic need to see Bon Jovi because I had seen every stinkin’ tour since Slippery When Wet EXCEPT the last one. So, then I felt all bad that 7 concerts (or however many) just wasn’t enough. Anyway…it was still good, but I just don’t have the desire to stay out that late on a school night anymore. Somebody Daughtry opened for them. I had to ask the girl next to me who that was because I’m totally clueless, but she said he’s from American Idol. Joe’s brother, Matt, says he’s great and he’s downloaded some of his stuff. O-kay. Jon – at one point – brought a girl up on stage with him. He was kind of out in the crowd. I’m not sure what he was standing on because he was above the crowd, but on a tiny stage. On the way back to the main stage, he seemed to be jumping across these tiny stages. Anyway…in spite of the fact that the median age was about 45 and the median weight was about 200 pounds, he managed to find the youngest, skinniest, prettiest girl in the arena. She was probably there to see Daughtry, but I guess you can’t blame a guy. She might have been the only one he could actually lift up there.
It really bites to get old!!! The best part about the night was the conversation that happened behind us on the train on the way home:
BOY: (drunk) YEAH, MAN!!! We’re on the TRAIN!!! The one with the upstairs. (NOTE: ALL the train cars have an upstairs on the TRE).
GIRL: (takes phone away from boy) I’m not sure which car…Just tell me what our stop is. Irving West? Okay. NOOOO!!! I was too busy trying to get “boy’s” drunk a** on the train!!!! (hangs up on call)
BOY: (sighs “lovingly”) Do you think were should get maaarrriiieedddd?
GIRL: Get OFF me! GAWD!!!!
Van Halen:
Is it still cool to smoke pot, because if it is, I missed that memo. Seriously. Major pot smokin' and it was disgusting!!!
I have to say that it’s a for sure sign that you’re (I’m) getting old that the highlight of the concert for me was that Eddie was wearing a brand new looking sparkly WEDDING RING!!! What??? Did he get married while he was in rehab? Was the rehab rumor ever confirmed (his re-admittance, that is)? I looked him up in Wikipedia when we got home, but no mention of a new wife. I assume he isn’t still wearing his ring from Valerie given that they’ve been split up for 7 years. Anyway…
Eddie looked great. He looked very healthy and he looked like he was having a good time. His hair is really tight (short), but I thought it looked good on him. If he’s sick or strung out, he’s hiding it well. Although I admit to not being an expert, I thought he sounded great, too. Dave looked good, too. His six-pack is more a two-pack now, but he’s thin and in great shape for a guy his age (not all bloated up like Vince Neil!!!). He has some major pork chops (sideburns) going on, but his hair is short, too, which since he’s thinning – a bit – on top, it is also a good look for him (Bret Michaels should possibly take note). He is such a peacock the way he struts around on stage with his chest all puffed out. Total showman. I could see how that would get on other band member’s nerves, but he shared the stage well all night with Eddie. They looked like they were having a great time together. I told Joe, it was definitely the Eddie / Dave show. Wolf walked around the most. They had a ramp onstage and Wolf would walk up and down (the youngster), but Eddie stayed in the same place pretty much and Dave just went back and forth and then there was a part that went out into the crowd a little that he went out on a couple of times. Dave sounded good, but he’s definitely lost his range. He can’t hit the high notes anymore at all – he doesn’t even try. He still has some high kicks, though, too. Eddie – not so much. All in all, it was quite enjoyable.
I didn’t see Wolf’s face all night – his hair is long in front and was covering up his eyes. I’ve seen pics though and he looks just like his mom, I think. I went to bathroom at one point and Joe said while I was gone, he played guitar and seemed to really come alive. I’m sure that’s what he grew up playing. Joe felt like they really downplayed him, but I guess that’s kind of a catch 22. What a mound of pressure – to be Eddie Van Halen’s kid!! Eddie was showcasing his equipment line – EVH amps and a Wolfgang guitar.
So…there you have it. Great show, fun times. Joe couldn’t resist a t-shirt.
The biggest difference I noticed between the two crowds – Bon Jovi vs. Van Halen: Bon Jovi was girl’s night out; Van Halen was boy’s night out. :-) Imagine that!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The novelty of it all...
Before I even start, I wonder how long I will keep up the journal. When I was younger, I would try and try to write diaries, but would fall behind and give up. Then, as I entered my teenage years, the thing was to keep a journal vs. a diary. I would start writing a journal and would spend hours upon hours writing my history. Where I was born, my family, what I did in elementary school, why I liked a certain boy when I shouldn't have, why I did things I shouldn't have, why I didn't do things I should have or things I wanted to do. I would get so bogged down in the history that I would forget the purpose of the journal. As an adult, I think they call that "living in the past." :-) I'm not going to do that this time, but I still wonder if this is a passing "fling" or something that I will stick with.
This weekend I was on my own at home. My mother-in-law had been in the hospital and Joe flew up to Illinois to spend some time with the family. The flights were too full for non-reving, so he bought a cheap ticket and I stayed home. I spent a lot of time researching our upcoming trip to Ireland. I don't think we'll have the laptop by then, so I'll have to re-create my journal when we get back. Hopefully by our summer trip, I'll be fully in the 21st century - laptop, digital camera, and all!!!
Speaking of the 21st century - I got my hair colored this weekend. My tech moved to a new salon and while I was processing she said I could read my book (a horrible book club book that I'm about to give up on) OR I could surf the web on one of their laptops hooked up for customers. Wow. Talk about technology. I told her if I had known that, I wouldn't have spent all Friday night catching up on e-mail.
This weekend I was on my own at home. My mother-in-law had been in the hospital and Joe flew up to Illinois to spend some time with the family. The flights were too full for non-reving, so he bought a cheap ticket and I stayed home. I spent a lot of time researching our upcoming trip to Ireland. I don't think we'll have the laptop by then, so I'll have to re-create my journal when we get back. Hopefully by our summer trip, I'll be fully in the 21st century - laptop, digital camera, and all!!!
Speaking of the 21st century - I got my hair colored this weekend. My tech moved to a new salon and while I was processing she said I could read my book (a horrible book club book that I'm about to give up on) OR I could surf the web on one of their laptops hooked up for customers. Wow. Talk about technology. I told her if I had known that, I wouldn't have spent all Friday night catching up on e-mail.
Friday, March 28, 2008
So this is blogging...
My feeble attempt to enter the 21st century...starting a blog. This blog is mainly for ME. I might use it for some random thoughts, but mostly as a travel journal to assist in my scrapbooking. Maybe it'll be fun!!!
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